Politics · France · 26 mins ago
Macron visits Marseille after protest clashes and looting
Emmanuel Macron visited Marseille on October 26 after protests led to clashes and looting in France.
The unrest followed growing anger over the cost of living and the state of high schools.
In Marseille, protesters damaged the city hall, police property and shops on October 17.
Macron went to the damaged city hall and was due to meet shopkeepers affected by looting and vandalism.
He also planned to thank security forces for restoring order.
The violence drew criticism of the government's handling of public order, including from political opponents and figures in Macron's own camp.
His visit comes after the government increased security for a second weekend of protests, when some clashes also broke out.
Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Marseille on Monday, October 26, after violence during nationwide protests on October 17.
The protests included clashes with police, looting and vandalism in Marseille and other cities.
Macron is due to visit Marseille City Hall, meet shopkeepers affected by looting and vandalism, and thank security forces.
The government increased security for protests the following weekend, when some clashes also occurred.
Critics, including Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan, faulted the authorities for not anticipating the October 17 violence.
- Who
- French President Emmanuel Macron.
- What
- He is due to make a surprise visit to Marseille after violence during the October 17 mobilisation.
- When
- Monday, October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Marseille, including the city hall.
- Why
- To see the effects of the October 17 violence, meet affected shopkeepers and thank security forces.
French government and presidency
Critics of the authorities
Handling of the October 17 violence
French government and presidency
The presidency says security forces helped restore republican order.
Critics of the authorities
Critics, including Mayor Benoît Payan, faulted the authorities for a lack of preparation for maintaining order.
Nationwide protests erupted into clashes with police, looting and vandalism, including in Marseille.
The government stepped up security for protests, during which some violent clashes also broke out.
Macron was expected to visit Marseille City Hall, meet affected shopkeepers and thank security forces.
- Visit date
- October 26, 2026
- City
- Marseille
- Protest date
- October 17
- Planned meeting
- Shopkeepers affected by looting and vandalism
- Planned tribute
- Internal security forces who helped restore republican order
6 sources
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Macron makes surprise visit to Marseille after protest clashes
What people are saying
The head of state will visit Marseille City Hall, which was affected by the violence on October 17
He will also pay tribute to and thank the internal security forces that helped restore republican order.
grâce à elles et malgré un contexte difficile, l'État a été au rendez-vous de ses missions